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Elvin Sanchez, a longtime Brooklyn resident remembered for his quiet kindness and gentle presence, died early Jan. 1, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run collision in East New York. He was 68.
According to police, the incident occurred just before 1 a.m. as Sanchez was crossing Linden Boulevard at Ashford Street. Authorities say a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis with Pennsylvania license plates hit him while he was crossing against the pedestrian signal. The impact left him with severe injuries, and he was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital, where he later died.
Later that day, police arrested 70-year-old Anselm Okeke, who lives less than a mile from the crash site. Investigators said the vehicle matched descriptions gathered during the investigation. Okeke was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and was arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court, where he was released without bail pending a future court appearance.
Sanchez’s death marked a heartbreaking start to the new year for a neighborhood already grappling with traffic safety concerns. But beyond the tragic circumstances, those who knew him say his loss is deeply personal.
In recent months, Sanchez had been coping with the death of his wife, who passed away after a long struggle with diabetes. Friends and neighbors say he leaned on the small but meaningful connections around him during that difficult time. An elderly couple living next door often invited him to join them for meals, offering companionship and comfort as he adjusted to life as a widower.
On the night of the accident, they had prepared a plate of food for him, expecting his familiar knock. He never made it home.
Neighbors describe Sanchez as a man who embodied the quiet generosity that binds communities together. He was known for his humility, his warm greetings and his willingness to help in small, sincere ways — sharing conversation, offering company or simply being present. In a fast-moving city, his steady kindness left a lasting impression.
As East New York reflects on his sudden passing, many are remembering Elvin Sanchez not only for how he died, but for how he lived — with compassion, resilience and an unassuming devotion to the people around him. His legacy endures in shared meals, familiar smiles and the sense of community he helped nurture every day.